COLUMNS

There are 336 columns, the height of which is 9 meter, in Basilica Cistern, which can be reached with a ladder of 52 steps.

HEAD OF COLUMN

Two Heads of Medusa, which are used as the bases of two columns, in the north western corner of the cistern, are masterpieces of the art of sculpture during the Roman period.

CEILING OF THE CISTERN

The space of the ceiling of the cistern was transferred to the columns through arches.

CRYING COLUMN

As different from the other columns, Column of Tear or Crying Column, have an appearance as if it is crying since it is wet. It is reported that it was erected in memorial of the slaves who died during the construction of the Great Basilica.

COLUMNS OF THE CISTERN

Most of the columns, which were sculptured out of the diverse marbles, consist of one or two pieces. 98 columns have the style of Corint while some of them have the style of Dor.